36A MULTI-FACTORIAL ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTIONAL PROGRAMME CAN DECREASE INPATIENT FALLS: AN UPDATE

• Published in: Age and ageing 2014-10, Vol.43 (suppl_2), p.ii9-ii9
• Main Authors: Tauro, R, Heaney, A, Gibson, R, Lennon, D, Hull, K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0002-0729; 1468-2834
• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afu124.36

Evidence-base:Each year approximately 282,000 inpatient falls are reported to the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA). A significant number result in death, or moderate to severe injury. super(1) Research shows falls may be reduced by 18-31% through multi-factorial assessments and interventions. super(2) If a fall cannot be prevented, the patient should receive a prompt and effective response to achieve the best possible recovery and avoidance of further falls.Change strategies:Using 'Plan-Do-Study-Act' learning cycles, our aims were to decrease the inpatient falls rate in an Elderly Care ward by 20% and to improve post-fall care. A baseline audit falls rate was 14.69 falls /1000 bed days, November 2010-October 2011.A Falls Care Plan to highlight at-risk patients and allow adaptation of care, a Falls 'Walking-Stick' poster to encourage nursing staff, bed/seat alarms and post-fall guidelines were introduced. Feedback sessions with ward staff were organised subsequent to each intervention. Completion of the Falls Care Plan was monitored to improve compliance. A yearly re-audit was conducted to assess impact.Change effects:Feedback was positive regarding the interventions described. Monthly monitoring of Falls Care Plans achieved a compliance rate of 89% and highlighted up to 81% were considered high-risk. The inpatient falls rate was 12.44 falls / 1000 patient bed days, November 2011-October 2012; a 15.3%reduction.The inpatient falls rate was 5.87 falls / 1000 patient bed days, November 2012-October 2013; a 52.8%reduction.Conclusion:The continued implementation and re-auditing demonstrates a significant reduction in falls through use of a multi-factorial assessment and care plan and an incentive poster. A team approach is required for falls reduction.References:1.NPSA, 2010.2.Oliver D, Healey F, Haines TP. Clinic Geriatrics Medicine, 2010; 26: 645-92.